While the Boks finished the year on a disappointing note, it didn’t change the fact that in 2009 they added the Tri-Nations trophy, Lions series trophy, Freedom Cup and Mandela Plate to the Webb Ellis Cup that they won in 2007. The Bulls, of course, claimed the Super 14 title for the second time while the Springbok Sevens team finally got their hands on the World Series trophy.

To celebrate these achievements, SA Rugby magazine assembled all of the above silverware and took a unique cover photo that makes its new bumper 150-page edition a collector’s one.

Also in the new issue:

– Andries Bekker on his injury nightmare, learning from Victor Matfield and why the Stormers are better off without Luke Watson

– Why selection and tactical blunders were to blame for the Springboks’ disastrous European trip

– Jaque Fourie on shrugging off life’s disappointments, his contract dispute with the Lions, and mentoring Juan de Jongh at the Stormers

– Why the Southern Kings will only see Super Rugby if Saru makes some strong decisions and there is unity between the three provincial unions that make up the franchise

– Over a pint of Guinness, Munster centre Jean de Villiers talks about broadening his horizons, chirping Ronan O’Gara and his plans to return to South Africa in 2010

– A South African coach, South African businessman and a clutch of South African players have reversed the fortunes of Saracens

PLUS: Your ultimate guide to the 2010 Super 14 – all the teams, stats and facts